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Australia has been, and continues to be, impacted by natural disasters. Increased media attention, rapid spread of news through social media, and constant talk in the community about natural disasters impacts on all students, whether they have been affected directly or indirectly. Supporting students to understand and process a natural disaster, and to move forward following such an event, has positive outcomes for them, schools as a whole and the wider community. By creating a safe space for students to discuss the complex issues associated with natural disasters, schools can enhance individuals’ and communities’ wellbeing and resilience. These issues include trauma associated with direct impact, feelings of helplessness and of wanting to do something, and anger at the perceived causes. It is important that students feel they are listened to and are aware of the support networks available to them. ReachOut Schools has developed resources for students impacted directly or indirectly by a natural disaster. These lesson activities have been designed to support students to build resilience and improve their wellbeing. Concepts including ‘community resilience’, ‘sharing lived experience’, ‘coping with bad world news’ and ‘climate anxiety’ are explored using interactive and engaging activities to help students process their traumatic experiences and articulate their coping strategies. |
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Students learn about resilience and wellbeing, and about how communities can be supported in the aftermath of bushfires.
7-12
60 minutes
This lesson helps students who have been directly impacted by a natural disaster. Students use lived experience to evaluate how others have coped, and reflect on the strategies they have used and could use in the future.
7-12
60 minutes
This lesson will support your students in knowing how and where to access professional help to support them through a mental health issue.
7-12
60 minutes
Students explore their understanding of empathy and recognise how to respond to people’s feelings.
7-10
60 minutes
Students analyse the impact of bad world news on their wellbeing and develop their own coping strategies.
7-12
5 minutes
Students develop practical strategies for coping with climate anxiety.
7-12
5 minutes
Using bushfires as an example, students identify ways to take care of themselves and their peers during a natural disaster.
7-10
5 minutes
This quiz will help your students check in with themselves.
7-12
5 minutes
Students practise having conversations to support friends experiencing mental health difficulties.
7-12
5 minutes
You can help your teen by being open to any stress natural disasters may cause and taking steps to help them manage it.
Learn how to help your teen manage the emotions that may come up from dealing with the bushfires.
Self-care can be hard to prioritise. Get it front and centre for your family with these tips.
Relaxation techniques can be an effective way to manage stress both in the moment and over the long-term.
While natural disasters are out of your control, there are things you can do to feel better and to get help.
During the bushfires, communities have shown their resilience and generosity of spirit in ways that can be empowering for those affected.
We've put together some tips with our mates from Hack on triple j to help you feel a little bit better about what's going on with the bushfires.
Calling a helpline is an accessible way to get the support you need. Learn more about what to expect when contacting a helpline and the kinds of help they can provide.